Synonym Chooser

How is the word different different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of different are disparate, divergent, diverse, and various. While all these words mean "unlike in kind or character," different may imply little more than separateness but it may also imply contrast or contrariness.

different foods

When could disparate be used to replace different?

The words disparate and different are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disparate emphasizes incongruity or incompatibility.

disparate notions of freedom

When can divergent be used instead of different?

Although the words divergent and different have much in common, divergent implies movement away from each other and unlikelihood of ultimate meeting or reconciliation.

went on to pursue divergent careers

In what contexts can diverse take the place of different?

In some situations, the words diverse and different are roughly equivalent. However, diverse implies both distinctness and marked contrast.

such diverse interests as dancing and football

Where would various be a reasonable alternative to different?

While in some cases nearly identical to different, various stresses the number of sorts or kinds.

tried various methods

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of different Choose between three different footrest positions to minimize lower back pain and leg cramping. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025 Williams has been out since March 10 due to different issues. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Texas lawmakers are looking to rein in access to products that contain THC, but the House and Senate could take somewhat different approaches. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2025 What if Piper emerges from the meditation center with entirely different values. Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for different
Recent Examples of Synonyms for different
Adjective
  • The survey offers a detailed portrait of a diverse and evolving Jewish community and its religious beliefs, political identities and migration patterns.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Melbourne’s food scene celebrates its diverse population, and the city’s history is told through its restaurants.
    Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a separate National Park Service webpage dedicated to Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery in Maryland before fleeing to Philadelphia.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • State police said the man was involved in a separate crash near Exit 24 on I-395 and walked into the highway’s right lane and a Kia Sportage traveling in the right lane and was unable to avoid the man.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This distinctive hue, paler in the center and deeper around the edges, evokes the shimmering beauty of alpine glaciers and lakes and the change in their reflections as the light changes and time passes.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • These minerals vary depending on the spring, giving sparkling water its distinctive taste profiles—from softly bubbly and subtly salty to bracingly effervescent with a sharp minerality.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And on Wednesday, the Mets and Rangers provided opportunities to see their respective offerings in a span of about six hours.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Both men were fierce warriors, deeply committed to their respective causes.
    Made by History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The title drop, when a line of dialogue references the film’s title, is a delicate art with a distinct cult following.
    Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The New Yorker received the National Magazine Award for photography, winning for images illustrating three very distinct stories.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That could compound ethics concerns, given Mastro still represented various clients in the stretch between March 20 and this week, including New Jersey in its bid to kill New York’s congestion pricing program.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Deep Knowledge of Sports Amore possesses a deep understanding of various sports, their rules, history and current trends.
    Ralph Loomis, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the lead up to the party, Eady had expressed contrition to other cast members about her previous actions toward Moore.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Israeli government shut down the supply of food and other humanitarian aid into Gaza ahead of the offensive, in a bid to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages and impose new conditions on the extension of the ceasefire.
    Tim Lister and Ibrahim Dahman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Your unique, varied experience works against you in keyword scoring.
    Gina Riley, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Fruit should be part of a varied diet that includes vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Different.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/different. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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